11 Aug How Nonprofits Can Maximize Community Involvement To Solve Complex Issues

As a nonprofit organization, you’re dedicated to programs that support your cause. Maybe your efforts are driven by the homeless, elderly, veterans, and minority groups. Or perhaps your organization’s mission was founded on social change or improving education and healthcare.

If your nonprofit’s focus has a specific purpose, you can additionally host or participate in activities, partnerships and community initiatives that will bring joy to the whole community and solve complex issues. Nonprofits serve all communities because people from all demographics are potential donors, supporters, and volunteers. Engaging with the community and partners increases your relevance, builds brand awareness, and demonstrates your dedication to community involvement. Here are some ways you can increase engagement and make good things happen for the various communities you serve.

Collaborate with other nonprofits

Publicly supporting and collaborating with other nonprofit organizations can make a difference. By collaborating with another nonprofit team, you may consider partnering for a community event or participate in one of their activities, holding focus groups, or utilizing complementary resources to serve communities in a more efficient way. When you partner with another nonprofit, you’re sending a clear message to your community that you not only support their mission but you also are willing to do whatever it takes to make a difference. You can help reinforce trust in nonprofits by showing your community that you have confidence that your participation in their events are felt by those who are meant to receive the help.

Participate in local events

Marathons, food festivals, street parties, treasure hunts, and cook-offs – there’s always something going on in the community. Event organizers often worry about interest and attendance. Show your support by announcing on social media that you and your team will attend and invite your followers to join the fun. Participating in local events is not only fun for your team but also provides networking opportunities. Consider wearing your nonprofit’s branded apparel to increase awareness for your nonprofit.

Partner with local businesses

Partnering with a small business provides many benefits for both your nonprofit and the business. You gain a shared audience and promote a cause you both care about. Partnerships with a nonprofit helps the business gain community trust. In addition, your organization has the opportunity to build relationships with business owners who may become leaders in your community as their business grows.

Hold your own community event

Not seeing an upcoming event in your community for you and your team to participate in? Host your own. If you’ve mostly engaged with a specific demographic because of your organization’s cause, it’s time to meet people outside of that socio-economic class. For example, if your nonprofit works mostly with seniors, host an event that will appeal to young children and their parents, such as a treasure hunt at the park, an outdoor film screening, or a small carnival. Hosting an event for an audience different from what you’re used to allows you to meet potential new supporters. Your partnership with local businesses also comes into play when organizing community events such as the neighborhood bakery donating snacks or the local gym volunteering its trainers to be security for the event.